Sher Vancouver

"Amar provided me with an opportunity to get involved and give back to the gay community, which brings me a great deal of satisfaction and helps me to accept my own sexuality," Harpal says, referring to Amar Sanga, co-founder of Sher Vancouver.

Sher was founded last year as a group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and intersex Punjabi and South Asian people and their friends, families, and allies. Though originally begun specifically as a gay Sikh group, Sher has since expanded to include Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Christian members too.

At 23, Harpal is now the group's acting moderator and Pride coordinator.

"We have to learn how to deal with the segment of the population that does not approve of homosexuality for cultural or religious reasons," he says.

"It hit us that there are some people who are homophobic out there in our community that do not like what we are doing."

Sher's online presence is fast becoming a powerful resource for hundreds of South Asians. Harpal refers to the group as family.

The space Sher is creating —at the intersection of the South Asian and queer communities —is the perfect place to advance diversity politics, he believes.

Change happens slowly, he acknowledges, and every movement has its challenges but "if you believe strongly in something you must fight for it and never give up."

Ever committed to advancing dialogue, Harpal sees "a bright future for the South Asian queer community."

"South Asian queers are coming out of the closet every day and we are making our mark in society," he says. "We are speaking out and demanding our rights."